Name: Đàm Thị Thảo

Tự luận văn hóa anh

1. Provide a brief description about London. How is London similar to
or different from the captital of your own country?
 London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, with a
population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-
east England and has been a major settlement for two millennia. It is
among the oldest of the world’s great cities and one of the most
cosmopolitan. It is also the country’s economic, transportation, and
cultural centre.
 London is similar to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, in some ways. They
are both historical cities that have witnessed many political and social
changes over time. They both have a mix of old and new architecture, with
landmarks such as Big Ben in London and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
They both have diverse and vibrant cultures, with many museums,
theatres, restaurants, and festivals.
However, London is also different from Hanoi in many aspects. London is
much larger and more populous than Hanoi , with an area of 1,572 km2 and a
population of 8.8 million compared to Hanoi’s 3,358 km2 and 8.1 million. London is
also more developed and wealthy than Hanoi , with a GDP per capita of
£55,412 compared to Hanoi’s $5,500 . London has a more temperate climate
than Hanoi, with mild winters and cool summers, while Hanoi has a
tropical monsoon climate with hot and humid summers and cold and dry
winters. London is also a major international air transport hub with the
busiest city airspace in the world, while Hanoi has only one international
airport that serves mostly domestic and regional flights .
2. What are your general impressions of Brirish people based on what
you have studied in British culture?
My general impressions of British people based on what I have studied in British
culture are:
They are polite and respectful. They like to say sorry, thank you, and please a
lot, and they value good manners and etiquette. They also respect the personal
space and privacy of others, and they avoid being too loud or intrusive.
They are proud and patriotic. They cherish their history, traditions, and
symbols, such as the British flag, the monarchy, and the national anthem. They
also celebrate their cultural diversity and heritage, as they are a mix of four
nations: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
They are reserved and modest. They tend to be shy and humble, and they do
not like to boast or show off. They also prefer to avoid direct confrontation or
criticism, and they use humour and irony to cope with difficult situations.
They are creative and innovative. They have produced many great works of
literature, art, music, cinema, and science. They are also open to new ideas and
trends, and they have a lively and dynamic cultural scene. They are tea lovers.
They drink tea every day, often with milk and sugar, and they enjoy it as a social
ritual or a comfort drink. They also like to have biscuits, cakes, or scones with
their tea.
3. Would you say that people in your country are more or less
enthusiastic about university education than they are in Britain?
Explain your answer.
This is a difficult question to answer because there are many factors that influence
people’s enthusiasm for university education, such as culture, economy, social
mobility, and personal preference. I think that people in both countries are
enthusiastic about university education, but for different reasons and with different
expectations. However, in this context, I will say that people in Vietnam are more
enthusiastic about university education than they are in Britain. Here are some
reasons for my answer:
 University education is not compulsory in Vietnam, but it is highly valued
and sought after by many students and parents. It is seen as a way to
improve one’s social status, career prospects, and income. Many students
work hard to pass the national entrance exam, which is very competitive
and selective.
 University education in Vietnam is also influenced by the country’s
history, culture, and politics. Vietnam has a long tradition of respecting
and honoring scholars and intellectuals, dating back to the Confucian era.
Vietnam also underwent a period of war and isolation, which limited its
access to higher education and scientific development. Therefore, many
 Vietnamese people aspire to pursue higher education and contribute to the
country’s modernization and integration.
 University education in Britain, on the other hand, is more accessible and
diverse than in Vietnam. Britain has a well-established and reputable
higher education system, with many world-class universities and research
institutions. Britain also offers a variety of academic programs, degrees,
and qualifications, catering to different interests and needs of students.
Therefore, British people may not feel as much pressure or motivation to
pursue university education as Vietnamese people do.
4. Describe the British monarchy and its role in British society.
 The British monarchy is the constitutional form of government by which a
hereditary sovereign reigns as the head of state of the United Kingdom and
its dependencies and territories. The current monarch is King Charles III,
who succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September 2022.
 The role of the British monarchy in British society is mainly ceremonial,
symbolic, and representative. The monarch has limited political power and
must act on the advice of the elected government. The monarch performs
various official duties, such as opening and dissolving Parliament,
appointing the prime minister, granting honours, receiving foreign
dignitaries, and serving as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The monarch also acts as a focus of national identity and unity, and
promotes British interests and values at home and abroad.
The British monarchy is also a source of public interest and fascination,
especially for its history, traditions, and personal lives. The monarch and
the royal family are often featured in the media and attract many tourists
and visitors to their residences and events. The monarch and the royal
family also support many charities and causes, and patronize various arts
and cultural institutions.
5. What are the main political parties in the UK? How does the system
differ from that in your country.?
The main political parties in the UK are:
 The Conservative Party, which is a centre-right party that promotes British
conservatism and unionism. It is currently the governing party, led by Prime Minister
Boris Johnson.
 The Labour Party, which is a centre-left party that promotes social democracy and
democratic socialism. It is currently the main opposition party, led by Keir Starmer.
The system differs from that in my country, Vietnam, in several ways:
In VietNam, the political system is a one- party socialist republic led by the Communist Party
of VietNam being the only legal political party. Moverover, the President of Vietnam is the
head of state, and the Prime Minister of Vietnam is the head of government
- In contrast, the UK political system has a two-party system dominated by the Conservative
Party and Labour Party, with other smaller parties having a more limited role in government.
Furthermore, the government is led by the Prime Minister.
- Overallthe political system in the UK is more pluralistic and democraticwith multiple parties
and free and fair electionsWhile, the political system in Viet Nam is more centralized and
authoritarian, with only party and limited political freedoms.

6. In Britain, what are the public services that a local government offers
the community?
The public services that a local government offers the community in Britain vary
depending on the type and structure of the local authority. However, some of the
common services that local councils provide are:
 Social care for children and adults, such as fostering, adoption, safeguarding,
care homes, and home care.
 Education and learning, such as schools, nurseries, libraries, adult education, and
special educational needs.
 Housing and planning, such as social housing, homelessness, housing benefit,
building control, and local development plans.
 Waste and recycling, such as rubbish collection, recycling centres, street cleaning,
and fly-tipping.
 Transport and roads, such as public transport, road maintenance, parking, traffic
management, and street lighting.
 Environment and public health, such as air quality, noise pollution, pest
control, food safety, and health promotion.
 Leisure and culture, such as parks, sports facilities, museums, theatres, and arts
events.
 Licensing and regulation, such as alcohol licences, taxi licences, gambling
licences, and animal welfare.
 Community safety and emergency planning, such as fire and rescue services
(in some areas), CCTV cameras, anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), and civil
contingencies.
 Economic development and regeneration, such as business support, tourism
promotion, employment schemes, and town centre improvement .
 7. How do you explain the popularity of the different types of housing in
Britain? Are the same types popular in your country?
The popularity of the different types of housing in Britain may depend on
various factors, such as affordability, availability, location, preference, and
lifestyle. The most common type of housing in the UK is semi-detached, which
accounts for 27.7% of all dwellings, followed by detached (22.3%)
and terraced (21.6%) houses. Flats make up 17.6% of the housing stock, while
bungalows are only 8.5%
 Semi-detached houses offer a balance between space, privacy and cost.
They are often more affordable than detached houses, but still have some
separation from neighbours and usually have front and back gardens. They
are also more energy-efficient than detached houses, as they share a wall that
reduces heat loss
 Detached houses are popular among those who can afford them, as they
offer more space, privacy and flexibility. They are often located in rural or
suburban areas, where land is cheaper and more available. They also allow
more freedom to modify or extend the property without affecting
neighbours.
 Terraced houses are popular in urban areas, where land is scarce and
expensive. They are also a historical feature of many British cities, as they
were built in large numbers during the Industrial Revolution to house
workers. They are often cheaper than semi-detached or detached houses, but
still have some outdoor space and a sense of community.
 Flats are popular among young professionals, students and renters, who
value convenience, location and affordability over space and privacy.
In my country, Vietnam, the types of housing are quite different from Britain. The
most common type of housing in Vietnam is tube house, which accounts
for 54% of all dwellings, followed by apartment (26%) and villa (9%) houses.
Other types of housing include townhouse, condotel, shophouse and penthouse.
8. Do the diferent social classes in your country differentiate themselves
in the same way as they do the Britain? Do language, accent, clothes,
money, habits and attitudes play the same roles in yoru country?
The different social classes in my country, Vietnam, may differentiate themselves
in similar or different ways as they do in Britain. Some of the possible ways are:
 Language and accent: In Vietnam, there are many dialects and accents
that reflect the regional and ethnic diversity of the country. However, there
is also a standard Vietnamese language that is taught in schools and used
in official settings. Language and accent may indicate one’s origin,
education, and social status. In Britain, there are also many dialects and
accents that vary across regions and social groups. Language and accent
may also signal one’s identity, culture, and class.
 Clothes: In Vietnam, clothes may reflect one’s occupation, income, and
lifestyle. Clothes may also reflect one’s age, gender, and tradition. In
Britain, clothes may also indicate one’s work, wealth, and taste. Clothes
may also show one’s generation, sex, and culture.
 Money: In Vietnam, money may show one’s economic class and social
status. Money may also affect one’s access to education, health care, and
entertainment. In Britain, money may also display one’s economic class
and social position.Money may also influence one’s opportunities for
learning, well-being, and leisure.
 Habits and attitudes: In Vietnam, habits and attitudes may reveal one’s
values, beliefs, and preferences. Habits and attitudes may also relate to
one’s hobbies, interests, and aspirations. In Britain , habits and attitudes
may express one’s morals , opinions , and choices . Habits and attitudes
may also correspond to one’s pastimes , passions , and goals .
9. Local government in Britain is responsible for most of the things that
affect people in everyday life. So why do you think few people bother
to vote in an local election?
There are likely many reasons why some people do not bother to vote in local
elections in Britain. One possible reason could be a lack of interest or belief that
their vote will make a difference. Some people may feel disconnected from their
local government and believe that their voices will not be heard or that their
concerns will not be addressed. Others may feel that they do not have enough
information about the candidates or issues to make an informed decision.
Additionally, there may be barriers that prevent certain individuals, such as those
with disabilities or low-income individuals, from accessing polling locations or
having the necessary identification to vote. It is also worth noting that voter
turnout in local elections tends to be lower than in national elections, which
could contribute to the perception that local elections are less important or less
impactful.